Hospice, City to Hold Tree-Lighting Event

The Camarillo Hospice will join the city in a tree-lighting ceremony at Constitution Park on Friday.

The city’s 13th annual Holiday Lighting and the hospice’s Tree of Life program will begin at 6:10 p.m.

Donations of $15 or more to the Camarillo Hospice will be represented by a light on the tree and will help the hospice support those with life-threatening illnesses, their families and the bereaved.

“It’s important for a lot of people in the community who have lost someone during the year, or even in the past, to have a way to remember them,” said Edith Santangelo, executive director of the hospice.

Seven-year-old Wade Whitaker and his 10-year-old sister, Alyssa, who received counseling from the hospice, will assist with the tree lighting and say a few words in memory of their father, Ted, who died in March at the age of 42.

The nonprofit organization, which provides services for free, receives nearly 40% of its $160,000 annual budget from donations, $16,000 from United Way and the rest from miscellaneous gifts. The Tree of Life campaign is the organization’s largest fund-raiser of the year.

Mayor Charlotte Craven will serve as master of ceremonies, and entertainment will be provided by the Camarillo High School Choir, Mt. Cross Lutheran Church Bell Ringers and the Mava Kids.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance at 7:40 p.m.

Donations will be accepted until Jan. 9. For more information, call 389-5898.